Dolphin Tales
School Update 12/10/2021
Principal Update - Mr. Spitzley
Doherty Families,
This past week I visited all of the classrooms to talk with students about school safety. We've already practiced several fire drills this year and will now be practicing lockdown and inclement weather drills as well. One of the key points I shared with the classes is in all situations that students should "stop" "look" and "listen" to the teacher and/or adults that are with them at that time. The teachers and/or adults will help to keep them safe.
I've once again added some tools and support that were previously shared to this week's newsletter should you need additional support.
Below is a graphic that provides guidance specifically for Early Elementary students encouraging families to provide explanations with simple information balanced by the assurance of safety. Please know that at Doherty we will continue to work as hard as we can to create a school environment that is safe and welcoming for all of our young learners. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Tools and Support
Tools for Immediate Help with Crisis and Reporting
If you or a loved one is struggling, please utilize the support services listed below:
Common Ground - Helps community members in crisis. Call -1-800-231-1127; Or Text “Hello”; to Chat with a crisis counselor.
Oakland County Crisis/Suicide Line - 1-800-231-1127
OK2SAY - We encourage students to talk to a trusted adult if they see or hear something that doesn't seem right. They can also report information anonymously using OK2SAY. Call 855-565-2729; text 652729; or email OK2SAY@mi.gov. For emergencies, dial 911.
Talk to Us - The WBSD anonymous communication tool. Tell us what’s on your mind. Ask a question, share a concern, make a comment.
Emotional Support/Mental Health - WBSD has several trained social workers, psychologists, restorative practices coaches, and mental health consultants here to support students and families.
Tools for Families to Talk to Their Children
For families seeking a way to talk with their children about recent events, you may access the following resources as a starting point:
Non-specific safety conversations may be more appropriate for younger students and may begin with presentations like the following on the Johns Hopkins site: “Talking to Your Children About Safety” for children in grades K-2 and children in grades 3-5. Using children’s books that use the power of narrative to teach valuable lessons is also a developmentally appropriate method to help our young one's process information. Some examples include the following:
The Rabbit Listened. A child has their castle wrecked and animals come and talk to her to give her advice. The rabbit comes to listen to her and she shares her feelings and gets brave to build the castle again.
After the Fall. Humpty Dumpty gets the courage to climb the wall again.
All School Pajama Day!
Lego League
FIRST Lego League Explore, for 1st, 2nd & 3rd graders, will begin January 27th.
After school team meetings will take place on Thursdays at Doherty.
Register NOW through WBSD Community Education.
Click on the registration link for more information & specific details.
Reach out to Mrs. Carson, cindy.carson@wbsd.org with questions.
Teams will be formed, based on the number of volunteer coaches, we need parents to help out!!!
Volunteer to coach & your child is guaranteed a spot on one of the teams.
Registration closes on Friday, December 17th
COVID-19 Travel Guidelines
The holiday travel season is here, and we want to make you aware of recently updated CDC guidance on travel and keep you informed about the West Bloomfield School District’s practices for students and employees that travel.
Domestic travel: The CDC recommends that you not travel until you are fully vaccinated (two weeks after your dose of an accepted single-dose vaccine or two weeks after your second dose of an accepted two-dose series). If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, you should follow CDC’s recommendations for people who are not fully vaccinated, which include getting tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel and staying home to self-quarantine for a full seven days after travel. If you don’t get tested, the recommendation is to stay home and self-quarantine for ten days after travel. In addition, unvaccinated travelers should avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether tested or not.
All travelers should self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, and isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms. The West Bloomfield School District does not require a quarantine period after travel within the United States.
International travel: The CDC recommends that you not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated (two weeks after your dose of an accepted single dose vaccine or two weeks after your second dose of an accepted two-dose series). When you travel to the United States by air, you are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before you board your flight. The CDC recommends that all international travelers get tested 3-5 days after returning to the United States, and that unvaccinated individuals stay home and self-quarantine for a full seven days after travel, even if you test negative at 3-5 days.
If you do not get tested, the recommendation is to stay home and self-quarantine for ten days after travel. All travelers should monitor themselves for symptoms, and isolate and get tested if symptoms develop. The West Bloomfield School District does not require a quarantine period after international travel.
Even though quarantine is not required after travel at this time, it is imperative that we all do our part to keep our schools and community safe. Please use good judgment, monitor yourself for symptoms after travel, and stay home if you are not feeling well.
Art Class Website
Mrs. Hanifi has created a blog to showcase what students are learning in art class! Please take a moment to check out what your student(s) are learning!
DECEMBER LUNCH MENU
Canvas Log in Instructions
SCHOOL TIMES
Start Time: 8:25 AM
End Time: 3:17 PM
** If you drop your child off in the morning, please know that the earliest you can drop off is 8:05 AM. Our doors do not open until 8:10AM.
** If you pick up your child in the afternoon, please know that our carline closes at 3:40 PM. After 3:40 PM, if your child is not picked up, he/she will be sent to Kids Klub. Kids Klub will charge their drop-in rate under these circumstances.
Absent Safeline
Changing Dismissal Plans
W.B. Early Release Wednesdays!!!
Please mark your calendar, our next early release is:
December 8
District News
Blessings in a Backpack Application - 2021-22
If your child qualified for the Free and Reduced Meal Program last year or this year, s/he can also participate in the Blessings in a Backpack program. This program sends six non-perishable meals home each Friday of the school year. Its goal is to make sure that no child goes hungry on the weekend. Run by volunteers, there is NO cost to you.
If your child is going to school Face to Face, s/he will get his/her bag of food at his/her local school. If your child is enrolled in Lakers on Line, please indicate that on the form and we will contact you on food pickup arrangements.
After the Bell Classes
Please see the attached flyers for additional information and registration for two Community Ed after School offerings.
Math Pentathlon
K-7TH: Math Pentathlon
Strengthen Math Skills, Encourage Creative Thinking and Develop Problem Solving Techniques
BEGINS IN NOVEMBER!!! If you missed the Parent Info Zoom, CLICK HERE.
REGISTRATION INFO
Doherty Elementary Information
Email: daniel.spitzley@wbsd.org
Website: www.wbsd.org/doherty
Location: 3575 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, MI, USA
Phone: (248) 865-6020
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DohertyFamilies/
Twitter: @SpitzleyDoherty